News

real- BERLIN-MARATHON chooses NOT TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED WORLD MARATHON RANKING SYSTEM.

Chicago, London and Boston Marathon share decision

2003-11-11

Four of the Worlds biggest Marathons, London, Berlin, Boston, and Chicago have
refused to join the controversial World Marathon Ranking series, introduced by
a big insurance company.

The company announced plans last weekend to inaugurate a ranking based on
results from 16 major Marathons with prize money totalling 1.7 million
dollars.

But the big four have turned down an invitation to join the scheme,
complaining that they were not included in any preliminary discussions or
planning. There is an added fear the series could jeopardise relationships with
their own race sponsors. Both Chicago and Boston are backed by competitors, ABN
AMRO and John Hancock respectively.

Retailers real,- and Unilever Bestfoods Flora are title sponsors for Berlin
and London. real,- BERLIN-MARATHON race Director Horst Milde said: Whilst we
have no objection to a World ranking system, the proposed scheme has serious
flaws. We believe any rankings should be managed by the IAAF or AIMS and have
the support of all Marathons.

Further, the scheme is an attempt by one company to associate itself with
successful Marathons with which they have no connection. The real,-
BERLIN-MARATHON, Chicago, Boston and London Marathon hope with added discussion
a collective decision-making process can be developed that will allow all major
marathons to participate in such a system.

If organized and implemented properly, a system like this would bring the
sport together throughout the world an be a welcomed advancement.